14 January 2026

A new case of measles has been reported at Austin Hospital in an adult who presented at Austin Hospital’s Emergency Department on Monday 12 January 2026.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

Anyone who has attended the Emergency Department on Monday 12 January between 1pm and 5.30pm should monitor for symptoms for up to 18 days after the exposure and follow the recommendations as listed on the Department of Health website.

We are in the process of contacting patients who were in the Emergency Department during that time, and are endeavouring to contact any visitors who may have been there.

If you think this may impact you or apply to you, please contact our Infection Prevention team at infectionpreventionandcontrol@austin.org.au.

For more information about measles, please visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website or refer to the measles fact sheet.

Measles symptoms:

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure. Initial symptoms of measles may be similar to those of respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.

People with symptoms of measles should seek medical care and testing, calling ahead to the health service of their exposure to measles, and wear a face mask when presenting to medical care.